Space Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the applied and multidisciplinary science. Research and development (R & D) in the biotechnology in space is categorised under Space biotechnology. In this time, biotechnology is categorized into many divisions but five are major. These are(PAMAI):
- Plant biotechnology
- Animal biotechnology
- Medical biotechnology
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Industrial biotechnology
Beside this one of the most emerging division is Space biotechnology. Space biotechnology will be fully integration of PAMAI along with Biology, Mathematics , Physics, Chemistry, Technology(tools and techniques) and Databases(Bioinformatics). Space biotechnology mission is concerned with research and development in the space or other planets . Space research and development in the microgravity regions to help in unwinding many mysteries of the life. The research and development in PAMAI may be under the space biotechnology. Actually ,the practices of growing the single cell protein (SCP) by astronauts or space travellers is also small scale production of edible protein for food (survival). R & D in the space biotechnology will help in many circles of life . The cost and investment in R & D about general biotechnology division is highly expensive. But research and development in space biotechnology is more expensive than general biotech R & D (PAMAI). The curious mind of the humans and high IQ increases desire. To know about our planet’s (earth) living system and metabolism is not enough for the scientists, therefore scientists of the world desire to develop the concept of space biotechnology. The effects of microgravity and statistical and theoretical thermodynamics on the living system for study of metabolic pattern in the space (presence of microgravity) is crucial to understand the single cell life pattern and cell behaviour. The metabolic pattern of the cell (prokaryotes & eukaryotes) on the earth under the influence of the earth’s gravity may differ from organisms which are under microgravity. Recombinant DNA technology(RDT) may play crucial role in the space biotechnology for production of desired protein and recombinant organic food for astronauts or space travellers. If our earth’s natural resources will be consumed and there will not be enough lands and resources for food production then possibly human civilization may migrate towards moon, other planets or even in the space. The futuristic human colony will establish around 2150 AD . Many of the space oriented companies are now trying to establish human colonies on the moon or other planets . It means there will not be options for agriculture or food production resources other than space biotechnology in future on the other planets or moon or in the space. It is possible that space industrialization and business operations can be operated by well developed and rich countries in the space. The tools and techniques of biotechnology can enhance the probability of life sustainability in future. The environmental conditions of the moon(Lunar) can be changed by integration of various technologies. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United states of America(USA) is putting great efforts on this research proposal. The life in microgravity (in space or moon) may affect the metabolism of the living cell and also affect the gene expression even under appropriate conditions. There are many curious experiments and research which will be possible in space biotechnology that ultimately helps in survival of life of human beings in space for future generations. It is also possible to transform non live planet to the life sustainable planet . Now scientific efforts are going on at this time . Mostly, more developed countries are well dedicated towards space biotechnology at this time and our research is in nascent stage.